Watercraft stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A watercraft stabilizer assembly includes a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together and a plurality of floats received on the frame. At least one clamp secures the frame to a watercraft. The clamp comprises clamp members that are securable together such that the frame and a portion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/719,935, filed Sep. 23, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to watercraft and, more particularly, to a stabilizer assembly for canoes that is lightweight, strong, and easy to assemble.

Various types of watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and the like, are inherently unstable and prone to tipping during use.

There are several types of devices available to help stabilize the watercraft. A sponson, for example, typically includes inflatable sections that are strapped to a hull of the watercraft to provide buoyant stabilization. Disadvantageously, the inflatable sections are prone to puncture during use of the watercraft, and often do not provide a desired amount of stabilization.

Other stabilizer devices include heavy frames that attach to sides of the watercraft and extend into the water. The frame supports floats that stabilize the watercraft and move across the water surface as the watercraft moves. Disadvantageously, these types of devices include many different frame pieces to assemble, are heavy, and are difficult to attach to the watercraft. Further, the relatively heavy weight offsets the stabilization benefits of the float, and the frame is susceptible to bending during assembly or during use.

Accordingly, a lightweight and strong stabilizer assembly that is easy to assemble is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An example watercraft stabilizer assembly includes a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together and a plurality of floats received on the frame. In one example, the frame includes two frame members and in another example the frame includes four frame members. At least one clamp secures the frame to a watercraft, such as a canoe. The clamp comprises clamp members that are securable together such that the frame and a portion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.

In another aspect, the watercraft stabilizer assembly includes a two-point support that secures the frame to the watercraft. In one example, the two point support includes a U-shaped member that supports the frame at a first point and a saddle member that supports the frame at a second point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 shows selected portions of an example watercraft having a stabilizer assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a float received onto a frame of the stabilizer assembly that is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows ends of a first frame member being received into ends of a second frame member during assembly of the stabilizer assembly.

FIG. 4 shows an example clamp for securing a stabilizer assembly to a watercraft.

FIG. 5 shows the clamp of FIG. 4 in an assembled condition.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 showing angling of the frame of the stabilizer assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 1 showing angling of the frame of the stabilizer assembly.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of an example frame of a stabilizer assembly having four frame members.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of an example frame of a stabilizer assembly having six frame members.

FIG. 10 shows an optional quick release locking mechanism for securing frame members of the frame together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates selected portions of an example watercraft 10, such as a canoe. The watercraft 10 includes a stabilizer assembly 12 that stabilizes the watercraft 10 to provide resistance to tipping.

In this example, the stabilizer assembly 12 includes a frame 14 having a first frame member 16 a and a second frame member 16 b that are secured together to form the frame 14. Floats 18 are received onto and supported by the frame 14. In the illustrated example, the frame 14 of the stabilizer assembly 12 is secured at four illustrated locations to the edges 20 of the watercraft 10 using clamps 22.

Referring to FIG. 2, the float 18 is made of a buoyant material such as foam. In one example, the buoyant material is polystyrene, polyethylene, or other type of foam. In this example, the float 18 comprises a solid body 24 having an opening 26 extending along a longitudinal axis A of the float 18. In one example, the opening 26 is drilled through the solid body 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, each float 18 is slidably received onto the first frame member 16 a. The frame members 16 a and 16 b have a generally uniform cross-section. In this example, the frame members 16 a and 16 b are nominally round. In this example, the ends 40 of the first frame member 16 a have a reduced diameter cross-section that permits the ends 40 of the first frame member 16 a to fit within corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b.

In one example, the reduction in the cross-section of the ends 40 is achieved using a crimping process. In another example, the reduction in cross-section is achieved using a swaging process. Given this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to recognize other methods of achieving a reduced cross-section for fitting the frame members 16 a and 16 b together.

The ends 40 are received into the corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b and form a joint 41 there between that secures the frame members 16 a and 16 b together. In the illustrated example, the floats 18 fit tightly between the frame members 16 a and 16 b, which provides the benefit of reduced float 18 movement during use of the stabilizer assembly 12.

In one example, reducing the cross-sections of the ends 40 permits an interfere fit with the inner diameter of the corresponding ends 42 of the second frame member 16 b to provide a tight fit. This provides the benefit of tightly securing the first frame member 16 a and the second frame member 16 b together during use of the stabilizer assembly 12 and further provides a simplified assembly method.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, once the frame 14 is assembled, it is secured to the edges 20 of the watercraft 10. The clamps 22 include a U-shaped member 52 having threaded portions 54 that receive nuts 62 to secure the frame 14 to the edges 20. A saddle member 57 includes a curved portion 59 that cradles the frame 14 and a support edge 61 (i.e. a pivot surface). A resilient lip 58 includes openings 60 that receive the threaded portions 54 of the shaped member 52. The nuts 62 are threaded onto the threaded portions 54 and tightened to compress the resilient lip 58 against the saddle member 57. In the illustrated example, the edge 20 of the watercraft 10 includes an inside lip 64 such that the nuts 62 are assembled inside of the watercraft.

The tightening of the nuts 62 secures the frame 14 between the inside lip 64 and the U-shaped member 52. As the nuts 62 are tightened, the support edge 61 of the saddle member 57 presses against the underside of the inside lip 64 to pivot the saddle member 57 upwards (relative to FIG. 5). This pushes the curved portion 59 upwards against the frame 14 as the U-shaped member 52 forces the frame 14 downwards to provide a two-point support that evenly supports the frame 14 and keeps the frame 14 relatively parallel to the inside lip 64. Thus, the clamp 22 provides an easy to assemble method of securing the stabilizer assembly 12 to the watercraft 10. Further, the resilient lip 58, which compresses during tightening of the nuts 62, provides a constant tension on the U-shaped member 52 to maintain a securing force on the frame 14. This provides a benefit of maintaining a tight clamping force against vibration or other environmental factors acting to loosen the clamp 22.

FIG. 6 illustrates the shape of the frame 14 according to the cross section shown on FIG. 1. In this example, the frame 14 extends at an angle α downwards toward a water surface 74. In one example, the angle a is about 30°. An angle of 30° allows the frame 14 to extend away from the watercraft 10 and provides leverage to stabilize the watercraft 10. If the angle a is made too large such that the portions of the frame 14 that extend downwardly toward the water surface 74 are closer to the watercraft 10, the stabilization effect may be less. If the angle α is made smaller than 30° such that the portions of the frame that extend toward the water surface 74 are farther away from the watercraft 10, the frame 14 may interfere with navigation of the watercraft 10 through relatively narrow waterways.

FIG. 7 illustrates the frame 14 according to the cross-section shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated example, the frame 14 bends at an angle θ. In one example, the angle θ is about 90°. An angle of about 90° positions the frame 14 and float 18 approximately parallel to the water level 74.

In another example, the frame 14 is made of a ¾″ metal conduit. In one example, the metal is a relatively lightweight and strong metal, such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other lightweight metal. The thickness of metal conduit is relatively thin to minimize the weight of the frame 14. The combination of the relatively small diameter of the conduit, the relatively thin thickness, and relatively strong and lightweight material provides the benefit of a lightweight and strong stabilizer assembly 12.

In one example, the stabilizer assembly 12 can support a weight of an average adult without bending significantly. Further, assembling the frame 14 from only two frame members 16 a and 16 b minimizes the number of frame parts needed to assemble the stabilizer assembly 12, which is a drawback of prior stabilizer systems. Thus, a user of the stabilizer assembly 12 can easily assemble the frame 14 and secure it to a watercraft 10 and likewise disassemble the stabilizer assembly 12 when not in use.

In the above examples, the frame 14 includes only two frame members 16 a and 16 b, however, in another example shown in FIG. 8, the frame 14 includes four frame members 16 c, 16 d, 16 e, and 16 f that are secured together in the same manner as the frame members 16 a and 16 b using reduced cross-section ends 40 that fit within corresponding ends 42. Given this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to recognize which ends of the frame members 16 c, 16 d, 16 e, and 16 f to form with reduced cross-sections to meet their particular needs.

In another example shown in FIG. 9, the frame 14 includes six frame members 16 g, 16 h, 16 i, 16 j, 16 k, and 16 l that are secured together in the same manner as the frame members 16 a and 16 b using reduced cross-section ends 40 that fit within corresponding ends 42. In this example, the frame members 16 i and 16 j are linear pieces that extend across the width of the watercraft 10 and are clamped to the edges 20 of the watercraft 10 using the clamps 22. The frame members 16 g and 16 h are secured together with one of the floats 18 and then secured to the frame members 16 i and 16 j. The frame members 16 k and 16 l are likewise assembled. Thus, the clamps 22 and linear frame members 16 i and 16 j may remain assembled on the watercraft 10 even when the floats 18 and other frame members 16 g, 16 h, 16 k, and 16 l are removed, which eliminates the need to completely disassemble and remove the entire stabilizer assembly 12 for storage or when the watercraft 10 is transported, for example.

Referring to FIG. 10, the joints 41 between any of the frame members 16 a-l in the above examples optionally include a quick release mechanism 84 (i.e., a locking mechanism) to secure the frame 14 together. For illustration, the frame members 16 d and 16 e are shown.

In this example, the quick release mechanism 84 includes a button 86 located at least partially within a recess 88 of the frame member 16 d. The recess 88 includes a notch 90 that defines a range of travel 92 of the button 86. A resilient member 94, such as a spring, is located between the button 86 and a wall 96 of the frame member 16 d. The resilient member 94 biases the button upwards in the figure through an opening 98 in the frame member 16 d. The button can be manually moved against the biasing force of the resilient member 94 such that the button 86 retracts into the recess 88. The retraction allows the frame member 16 d to be inserted into the frame member 16 e.

In this example, the frame member 16 e includes an opening 100 that corresponds to the button 86. When the button 86 is aligned with the opening 100, the resilient member 94 moves the button 86 through the opening 100 to lock the frame members 16 d and 16 e together. To disassemble the frame members 16 d and 16 e, the button 86 is actuated against the biasing force of the resilient member 94 into the recess 88 such that the frame member 16 d can be slidably removed from the frame member 16 e. Given this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize alternative arrangements and quick release mechanisms to meet their particular needs.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. A watercraft stabilizer assembly comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together; a plurality of floats received on the frame; and at least one clamp for securing the frame to a watercraft, the clamp comprising clamp members that are securable together such that the frame and a portion of the watercraft are held together between the clamp members.
 2. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the clamp members comprise a U-shaped member and a saddle member having a pivot surface.
 3. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 2, wherein the U-shaped member includes threaded portions that receive corresponding fasteners to secure the saddle member and the U-shaped member together.
 4. The watercraft stabilizer assembly as recited in claim 3, further comprising resilient lip between the fasteners and the saddle member.
 5. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 2, wherein the saddle member includes a curved surface in contact with the frame.
 6. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is made from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, and combinations thereof.
 7. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame members consists of two frame members.
 8. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame members consists of four frame members.
 9. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame members comprises a crimped end for connection to another of the plurality of frame members.
 10. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame members comprises a swaged end for connection to another of the plurality of frame members.
 11. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of frame members comprises a first portion having a first cross-sectional area and a second portion having a second cross sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.
 12. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame members comprises joints, wherein at least one of the joints is within one of the plurality of floats.
 13. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 1, further comprising a resilient locking mechanism that secures at least two of the plurality of frame members together.
 14. A watercraft stabilizer assembly comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of frame members connected together; a plurality of floats received on the frame; and a two-point support that secures the frame to a watercraft.
 15. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 14, wherein the two-point support contacts the frame at a first point and at a second point that is spaced apart from said first point.
 16. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 14, wherein the two-point support includes a first member that supports the frame at a first point and a separate and distinct second member that supports the frame at a second point.
 17. The watercraft stabilizer assembly recited in claim 14, wherein the first member provides support in a first direction and the second member provides support in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction.
 18. A method of securing a stabilizer assembly to a watercraft, comprising: clamping a frame of the stabilizer assembly to a portion of the watercraft between clamp members such the clamp members support the frame at two points.
 19. The method recited in claim 18, including supporting the frame in a first direction using a first one of the clamp members and supporting the frame in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction using a second one of the clamp members.
 20. The method recited in claim 18, including contacting the frame at a first point using a first one of the clamp members and contacting the frame at a second point using a second one of the clamp members. 